Tyson Fury is not writing off Fabio Wardley’s chances of causing another seismic upset against Oleksandr Usyk, following his victory over Joseph Parker.
Fury was ringside at the O2 Arena on Saturday as Wardley defied the odds to dramatically stop Parker in the 11th round and put himself in line for a shot at undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk.
‘The Gypsy King’ twice fell short against the masterful Ukrainian, the second defeat of which sent him into retirement.
The 37-year-old insists Wardley has enough power to cause anyone in the heavyweight division problems, even Usyk, who is undefeated in 24 professional fights and has already beaten five Brits.
“Usyk is a special talent,” Fury told Boxing King Media.
“He’s a good boxer but Fabio is a dangerous puncher, I’m sure if he hits anybody he’ll knock them out.
“He’s very strong and carries his power for a long time so he did really well against Parker.”
Wardley, who went into Saturday’s showdown as the WBA interim champion, claimed the WBO interim title with his stoppage of Parker.
The Ipswich man was trailing on the scorecards, but produced a late rally to force referee Howard Foster to intervene.
The WBO had already ordered Usyk to defend his title against Parker, but allowed him a 90-day extension on negotiations after he picked up an injury following his fifth round demolition of Daniel Dubois in July.
The 38-year-old must now face Wardley with no exceptions and the former British champion called out ‘The Cat’ following his sensational win over the New Zealander.
Should Usyk, who confirmed he would continue until 41-years-old, opt against facing Wardley and relinquish his title, the Ipswich man will be upgraded to full WBO champion.
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“I’m not planning on getting in the ring with Usyk and going, ‘thanks for having me’ and rolling over,” Wardley said in the post-fight press conference.
“That’s not what I’m about.
“I think you saw that tonight.
“When that bell does go. Me and Usyk do finally get in the ring. He’s going to have to work for it.”
